5 Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Acne

There is nothing more annoying and disgusting than the appearance of acne on your skin and other parts of your body. There are millions of microscopic hair follicles called pores present on your face, back, neck and chest. Sometimes, these follicles overproduce cells and produce a natural oil called ‘Sebum.' Sebum gets trapped and can’t drain to the surface of your skin. As a result, bacteria begin to grow, thus leading to acne.

Kinds of Acne

Non-inflammatory acne appears as blemishes, either as a whitehead or blackhead. Inflammatory acne appears by the rupturing of the follicle wall and is called as a pustule, pimple or zit. The severe inflammatory reaction may create very large pus filled lesions known as cysts. When the bottom of the follicle breaks, a large bump may appear. It is known as Nodule.
So how can one get rid of acne? Read on to find out.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) is best suited for the initial treatment of mild and moderate acne. It oxidizes the protein in the skin follicles and forms benzoic acids and free radicals. This is an over the counter medication which minimizes inflammation, kills bacteria and helps in unclogging the blocked pores. You can get water-based or alcohol-based BPO in the form of creams, gels, or lotions without any prescription. It comes in various concentrations; varying between 2.5 % to 10 %. Wash your face 20 minutes before applying BPO twice a day.

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils such as Geranium, Melaleuca, etc. But the best essential oil brands for the treatment of acne include:

Tea Tree Oil

It has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The over-the-counter acne treatment gels and lotions contain tea tree oil and work by reducing the severity. For treating acne through tea tree oil, add 2 to 3 drops to a clean cotton ball and apply to the affected area topically. You can also add it to a spray bottle filled with water and spray on the affected area.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the best essential oils used for the treatment of acne because of its antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics. It works by soothing and nourishing your skin and treats acne, reduces the appearance of dark spots and scars and heals dry skin. Moreover, it helps you fight against anxiety and stress which are also a leading cause of acne, thereby improving the quality of your sleep and promotes radiant skin. For additional effect, you can dilute it with coconut or jojoba oil and massage the mixture on the affected area.

Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Juniper berry essential oil has a number of characteristics as it is antibacterial, anti-microbial, stress-reducing and detoxifying by nature. Besides helping you in fighting the skin infections, it protects your body against toxins that lead to acne. If diluted with carrier oils, it becomes more effective. If your skin is sensitive, dilute it with jojoba or coconut oil.

Rosemary

It reduces excess oil on the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also improves blood circulation and makes your skin firm, shiny and toned.

Bergamot

It has antibacterial properties and spot treats the breakouts. Mix it with coconut, jojoba or olive oil and apply to the affected areas.

Clary Sage

Because of the content of an ester called linalyl, it reduces the inflammation of the skin. It also curbs the growth and spread of bacteria.

Combo of Natural Ingredients

Make a face wash with a mixture of the following natural ingredients for invigorating the skin and killing the bacteria that cause acne.

One tablespoonful of Coconut Oil

Three tablespoonfuls of Honey

One tablespoonful of Apple Cider Vinegar

Twenty drops of Tea Tree Oil and

Two capsules of live probiotics

Mix the ingredients well and blend with a blender. Store it in a bottle and apply regularly. Besides killing the bacteria, this mixture provides nutrients and hydration to your skin

The Vitamin C content fights against the acne-causing bacteria. Use naturally fresh lemon juice. Dip a clean cotton swab into the lemon juice and apply to the affected areas and allow it to stay overnight. Wash your face with lukewarm water in the morning. Alternatively, make a mixture of one tablespoonful of lemon juice with one tablespoonful of cinnamon powder and make a mask. After applying on the affected areas, allow the same to stay overnight.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera due to its soothing characteristics is highly effective against sunburn. It is also used to treat acne because it has many antibacterial properties. It kills the bacteria that cause acne. Moreover, it reduces the redness and swelling of a pimple and makes them less painful. You can use natural Aloe Vera plant or Aloe Vera gel available over the counter

Wrapping Up

Natural remedies for treating acne are not only free from any side effects but are highly effective as well. What are your views on this? How do you treat acne? Let us know in the comments.

*This article is a guest post by Hannah George.

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Author Bio: Hello, Hannah, here from FixYourSkin.com! I have a lot of experience with skin health and have written several articles that have been published. FixYourSkin has a lot of tips, health advice and DIY recipes which can give you great looking skin without any side effects!

Disclaimer: The original cover photo is not mine and belongs to its rightful owner.

RaeAbigael

Rae Abigael J. Caacbay is a young creative who went through a quarter life crisis by the end of 2016. Though she's still lost, she keeps on moving forward anyway as a ballerina, visual artist, lifestyle blogger, and a BS Interior Design graduate based in the Philippines.

Hello! I'm Rae. A ballet dancer and visual artist pursuing a career in Interior Design. This is my virtual sanctuary for interior design adventures, fashion experiments, art expressions, life on stage, and self-preservation.